Watering

Give the Grass a Drink
Daily, shallow watering is
not recommended. This encourages disease and weed problems. Instead,
water according to the lawn's needs. Look for a blue cast in the lawn's
color; this indicates a need for water. At this time, you should water
until moisture reaches 6-8 inches in depth. Do not allow leaves to
remain moist longer than 16 hours. This promotes disease. Normally,
water every 3-5 days. Naturally, sandy or shallow soils will require
watering more often than heavier clay soils.

During excessive
rainstorms, watering should be preempted to reduce risk of disease
problems. Fall and spring watering should be on a limited basis. Some
lawns can go for weeks without watering, depending on weather
conditions. Harden off a lawn prior to winter to reduce winter drought
problems. A final late, deep irrigation just prior to winter onset is
recommended. The above process will promote a healthy, more disease and
drought resistant lawn, which will require less water throughout the
year.